With Mulder out, fiery former pitcher is hired for A's broadcasts

OAKLAND — Former pitcher Dallas Braden is heading to the broadcast booth — and back to the field — for a number of A’s telecasts this season on NBC Sports California.

The network and the A’s announced Wednesday that Braden — best known for throwing a perfect game for Oakland in 2010 and for getting into an argument with Alex Rodriguez — will join the broadcast team as a baseball analyst.

According to a joint news release by the network and the A’s, Braden will be featured in 35 telecasts as a color commentator and 54 games in the newly created role of field analyst, “reporting from a unique vantage point close to the action.” Braden will also continue in his role as a studio analyst for select pregame and postgame shows on NBC Sports California.

Braden replaces Mark Mulder as a part-time analyst for the network. Mulder had served in that capacity for the last two seasons.

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“Dallas’ presence at nearly every home game in this newly created role will provide a dynamic perspective that fans have not seen before. We are excited to welcome a lifelong A to the broadcast team,” A’s President Dave Kaval said in the news release.

“Dallas Braden provides a rare combination of deep baseball knowledge, passion for the game and love for the green and gold. He has a true connection with A’s fans, and we’re looking forward to seeing him in a much more substantial role in 2018,” said David Koppett, VP of Content Strategy for NBC Sports California.

Braden, a Stockton native, spent all five of his seasons in Major League Baseball with the A’s (2007-2011), finishing with a 26-36 record.

On May 9, 2010, he pitched the 19th perfect game in MLB history when he defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in Oakland on Mother’s Day. Earlier that year, Braden also famously exchanged words with Alex Rodriguez, then of the New York Yankees, telling the slugger, “Get off my mound.”

Braden also worked at ESPN (2014-2017) as a studio analyst and color analyst from 2014-2017 and joined NBC Sports California last year as a studio analyst.

Longtime in-stadium host Kara Tsuboi will also join the broadcast team as a sideline reporter for a limited number of home games. She replaces Angela Sun, who worked in that role last season.